Executive Summary: Your Definitive Guide to HDB Eligibility Schemes and Grants
Understanding HDB eligibility schemes and grants is essential for Singaporeans pursuing homeownership in 2026's competitive market. This comprehensive Homejourney guide covers all HDB schemes Singapore, from Public Scheme to niche options, plus CPF housing grants like EHG (up to $80,000) and PHG, with step-by-step processes, 2026 updates, and insider tips for first-timers, upgraders, and investors.
Homejourney prioritizes your safety by verifying data from official HDB sources, helping you avoid costly mistakes while building trust through transparency.
Whether buying BTO in Tengah or resale in Punggol, this pillar resource equips you with practical advice, tables for quick reference, and links to our secure tools like Property Search for personalized eligibility checks.
Table of Contents
- Why HDB Eligibility Matters in 2026
- Core HDB Eligibility Schemes Explained
- BTO vs Resale Eligibility Differences
- CPF Housing Grants: EHG, PHG, and More
- Key Financial Rules: Income Ceilings, TDSR, MSR
- Step-by-Step Application Process
- Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Decision-Making Framework for Buyers
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Next Steps with Homejourney
Why HDB Eligibility and Grants Matter in 2026
Singapore's HDB market remains tight, with BTO waits of 3-5 years and resale prices up 5-7% year-on-year in non-mature estates like Tengah.HDB eligibility determines if you can buy, while grants slash costs—EHG alone covers up to 12% of a $500,000 flat.
For first-timers, grasping these unlocks affordable housing; upgraders benefit from resale flexibility; investors note citizenship rules limit options. Homejourney verifies eligibility via official HDB data, ensuring safe decisions amid ABSD hikes to 60% for foreigners.
Current context: Income ceilings hold at $14,000 for families ($7,000 singles), but stacking grants like EHG + PHG + Family Grant reaches $160,000. Insider tip: Check Projects Directory for estate-specific prices—e.g., 4-room BTO in Punggol starts at $420,000.
Core HDB Eligibility Schemes Explained
HDB offers targeted schemes for diverse buyers, all requiring no private property ownership in the last 30 months and an HFE Letter via Singpass.
These apply to both BTO and resale, with nuances per flat type.
Public Scheme
Suitable for family nuclei with at least one Singapore Citizen (SC) and spouse/child as SC or PR. Includes parents/children in nucleus. No income ceiling for resale without grants; $14,000 for grants/loans. Ideal for most couples—90% of applicants qualify.[1]
Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme
For engaged couples pre-marriage. Submit marriage certificate within 3 months of resale completion or BTO key collection. Bridges gap for wedding planners buying early.
Single Singapore Citizen Scheme (SCSS)
Unmarried/divorced SCs aged 35+ ($7,000 ceiling), or 21+ if orphaned/widowed. BTO limited to 2-room Flexi; resale broader. Orphans access earlier—key for young singles in Bedok.
Joint Singles Scheme (JSS)
2-4 SC singles, average $7,000 income ceiling. Great for siblings/friends pooling in mature estates like Toa Payoh.
Non-Citizen Spouse Scheme
SC married to non-SC/PR with valid Long-Term Visit Pass/Work Pass. First-timers only for BTO 2-room Flexi; resale if citizen 35+.[1]
Non-Citizen Family Scheme (Resale Only)
Families with one SC and non-citizen parent/child on valid passes.
Orphans Scheme
Single orphan siblings (one deceased parent SC/PR). BTO together; resale with another single.[1]
Conversion Scheme (BTO Only)
Switch schemes post-application if circumstances change, e.g., marriage.
HDB Eligibility Schemes Summary Table (2026)
| Scheme | Suitable For | BTO Eligible | Resale Eligible | Income Ceiling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public | SC family nucleus | Yes | Yes | $14k (grants) |
| Fiancé/e | Engaged couples | Yes | Yes | $14k |
| Single SC | SC 35+ | 2-room Flexi | Yes | $7k |
| Joint Singles | 2-4 SC singles | Yes | Yes | $7k avg |
| Non-Citizen Spouse | SC + non-citizen | 2-room Flexi | Yes | $14k |
BTO vs Resale HDB: Eligibility Differences
BTO suits patient buyers (queue 3-5 years), stricter schemes; resale offers immediate possession, broader eligibility but no Concessionary Subsidies for second-timers.
Key difference: BTO Orphans/Conversion exclusive; resale adds Non-Citizen Family. First-timers get priority in BTO ballots (e.g., 5x for non-mature estates). Use Homejourney's Projects for BTO launches in Woodlands—4-room ~$450,000.
Resale tip: Singles 35+ access 5-room in mature areas like Queenstown, prices $700,000+.[1]
CPF Housing Grants: EHG, PHG, and Stacking Rules
CPF housing grants reduce cash outlay, credited to CPF accounts. First-timers stack for max savings.
Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG)
Up to $80,000 families/$60,000 singles, tiered by income ≤$14,000/$7,000. E.g., $1,500/month household gets $80,000. Pro-rated for second-timers.[2]
Proximity Housing Grant (PHG)
$20,000/$15,000 (family/single) within 4km of parents; $30,000/$20,000 same estate. Stackable with EHG.[1][2]
Other Grants
Family Grant: Up to $50,000 (multi-gen). Half-Housing: Singles with family. Total stack: $160,000 possible.
CPF Housing Grants Table (2026 Max Amounts)
| Grant | Family Max | Single Max | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| EHG | $80,000 | $60,000 | First-timer, income-based |
| PHG (Near) | $20,000 | $15,000 | 4km parents |
| PHG (Same Block) | $30,000 | $20,000 | Same estate |
| Family | $50,000 | N/A | Multi-gen |
Key Financial Rules: Income Ceilings, TDSR, MSR, Stamp Duties
Income ceiling: $14,000 family/$7,000 single for grants/HDB loans. MSR ≤30% of gross income; TDSR ≤55% total debt (MAS rules).
Stamp duties: BSD 1-6% (e.g., 3% on $500k-$1m); ABSD 0% SC first-timer, 17% second, 60% foreigners. LTV: 75% HDB loan, 80% bank (first-timer).
CPF usage: OA/EA up to purchase price minus principal. Check Bank Rates or Mortgage Rates on Homejourney for 2.5-3% rates.[2]
Disclaimer: Rules per HDB/MAS 2026; consult professionals for advice. Homejourney provides verified overviews, not financial counsel.
Step-by-Step Process to Check HDB Eligibility and Apply Grants
- Get HFE Letter: Via HDB Flat Portal/Singpass (instant, valid 9 months). Assesses schemes, grants, loans.[4]
- Verify Docs: NRIC, income proof (last 3 months), citizenship, no-property declaration.
- Apply BTO/Resale: Ballot for BTO; OTP for resale. Use Property Search or Property Search .
- Exercise Options: HDB loan/bank, CPF/grants post-SCP.
- Timeline: HFE: 1 day; BTO ballot: Monthly; Resale: 8-12 weeks completion. Costs: $10-50 app, $2-3k legal.
Insider tip: Apply HFE early February for February BTO in Yishun—higher balloting chances for first-timers. See related: HDB Eligibility Schemes & Grants 2026: Step-by-Step Buying Guide .[2][4]
Common Mistakes to Avoid in HDB Eligibility and Grants
- Missing Income Ceiling: E.g., $15,000 salary disqualifies EHG—plan salary sacrifice via CPF.
- Forgetting 30-Month Rule: Private property sale resets clock; wait or sell family member's.
- Non-Stackable Grants: PHG requires living proof—buy near parents in Jurong first.
- TDSR Overshoot: Car loan eats 20%—refinance pre-HDB. Real example: Couple in Ang Mo Kio denied $600k resale.
- Fiancé Proof Delay: Miss 3-month marriage cert, lose flat.
Homejourney flags these via eligibility checker, prioritizing your secure journey.[1][2]
Decision-Making Framework: Which Scheme and Grants Fit You?
Assess: Family status → Scheme → Income → Location (for PHG) → Finances (TDSR).
- First-timer family <$9k: Public + EHG $80k + PHG $30k.
- Single 35+ <$7k: SCSS + EHG $60k.
- Upgrader: Resale Public, no EHG (pro-rated).
- Investor note: HDB for own-stay only; resale after MOP. Link: HDB Eligibility Schemes & Grants: Invest vs Own Stay | Homejourney .
Post-purchase: Budget aircon servicing via Aircon Services for maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions on HDB Eligibility Schemes and Grants
Q: Who qualifies for EHG in 2026?
A: First-timer SC families ≤$14,000/month; tiered up to $80,000. Singles ≤$7,000 get $60,000.[2]
Q: Can I stack PHG with EHG?
A: Yes, up to $110,000 family if near parents.[1][2]
Q: What's the income ceiling for HDB schemes Singapore?
A: $14,000 family/$7,000 single for grants/loans; none for resale without.[1]
Q: Can foreigners use HDB eligibility schemes?
A: No direct; Non-Citizen Spouse/Family for resale with SC, but ABSD 60% applies.
Q: How to check CPF housing grants eligibility?
A: HFE Letter shows amounts instantly. Use Homejourney tools for simulations.[4]
Q: Singles under 35: Any HDB schemes?
A: Orphans 21+ via Orphans Scheme; else wait or joint.[1]
Q: Impact of MSR/TDSR on grants?
A: Grants don't count in ratios, but loan size does—max 30%/55%.[2]
Q: BTO vs Resale for grants?
A: Same grants; BTO cheaper base but longer wait. See HDB BTO申请流程完整投资 vs 自住：如何选择 | Homejourney .
Next Steps: Start Your Safe Homejourney Today
1. Get free HFE via HDB portal.
2. Explore listings on Property Search .
3. Compare loans at Mortgage Rates .
4. Verify grants with our checker.
Homejourney builds trust with verified data, user feedback-driven tools, and transparent guidance—your safe partner from eligibility to keys. For financing deep-dive: HDB Eligibility Schemes & Grants 2026: Financing Options Explained .
